The striker posted the apology on Twitter, vowing never to repeat his behaviour that saw him received a lengthy ban from FIFA over the incident.

It read: "After several days of being home with my family, I have had the opportunity to regain my calm and reflect about the reality of what occurred during the Italy-Uruguay match on 24 June 2014.

"Independent from the fallout and the contradicting declarations that have surfaced during these past days, all of which have been without the intention of interfering with the good performance of my national team, the truth is that my colleague Giorgio Chiellini suffered the physical result of a bite in the collision he suffered with me.

"I deeply regret what occurred. I apologise to Giorgio Chiellini and the entire football family. I vow to the public that there will never be another incident like this involving me."

Suarez was suspended from all football-related activity for four months by the sport's governing body which also ruled he could not play in Uruguay's next nine competitive games, immediately ending his involvement in the World Cup in Brazil.

The ban means the striker is unlikely to appear in non-friendly matches for his country until 2016.

It will also keep him out for at least 12 club games - nine Premier League matches plus three Champions League fixtures, and potentially a League Cup match too - before a return at the end of October.

Suarez's ban excludes him from training with Liverpool or any other club and from going to any stadium, but it does not prevent him being transferred to another club.

Chiellini tweeted his support for the Liverpool star soon after the statement was posted, despite being the victim of his shocking World Cup bite.

The Italy international backed Suarez to have his four month ban reduced, adding that he had forgiven him over the incident.

He tweeted: "It's all forgotten. I hope FIFA will reduce your suspension."

The lengthy ban hasn't stopped the Uruguayan being linked with a move away from Anfield this summer, however with reports in Spain today suggesting the Catalan club demanded Suarez apologise before any deal is completed.